Coat of Arms

THE COAT OF ARMS

A bishop’s Coat of Arms dates back to feudal times and reminds us of the status which bishops were acknowledged as having in European society. This has continued in the post-colonial church so that bishops in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean continue to have COA. In the past, such were designed by experts from the heraldic schools. They are supposed to reflect the heritage and ideals of the new bishop, as well as his connection with his diocese and country.

More recently, the work of design has been done by local artists. Bishop Harvey is most pleased to have collaborated with the renowned Gillian Bishop in creating his Coat of Arms.

The hat and tassels are part of every COA. Green is the colour for bishops. The centre of the shield is the bishop’s personal emblem. He has always had a personal devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, having been born in the parish of the Sacred Heart, Port-of-Spain. He considers the fact that his appointment was announced on the Feast of the Sacred Heart 2017 to be of great significance. The Sacred Heart is usually covered with a crown of thorns. It is a heart aflame with love for God and all creation. The bougainvillea is added to the crown of thorns because it has its own thorns but produces flowers in the midst of the thorns, even in the driest of times. The flowers become a conduit for the blood and water flowing from the heart which nourishes the copper-rumped humming bird. The hummingbird has become for Bishop Harvey a powerful personal symbol of how God works in our lives. Like the hummingbird, whether we are going forward, backward or hovering in stillness, we are energized by the Spirit, always alive in God.

The left panel honours Mary, Patroness of the Diocese as the Immaculate Conception. The twelve stars are a traditional symbol of Our Blessed Lady and links the new bishop to his predecessor, Bishop Darius. The Madonna Lily is in the National Emblem of Grenada, originally called Concepcion when it was first discovered. The two flowers on one stem remind us that Mary is Mother of God and Mother of the Church.

The right panel represents Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique in the colours of our flag and our nutmeg fruitfulness. The green rolling hills and the waters below all speak to our island culture.

The Cross, now known as the Maloney Cross, is made from two pieces of driftwood tied by rope. The wood was originally discovered on a beach and given to Fr. Harvey for their new church by two young people. It adorned Maloney Church as a reminder that, even though adrift, our young people can still find value and purpose.

The bishop’s personal motto, adapted from his priestly motto will be “To make known to Grenada and the world the LOVING KINDNESS of the heart of our God”. The COA carries the one word, Lovingkindness.